Democratic Republic of Congo. Songye area, Tempa style. Wood, brass, horn. H. 23 cm.
This statuette belongs to the category of mankishi (plural of nkishi), 'objects of strength' (bwanga) in the form of an anthropomorphic statue, to which the ritualist has incorporated amalgamated ingredients (bishimba) inside the cavities; here, in the horn at the top of the statuette, but also certainly originally in the other orifices of the head, notably those of the ears, and also at the level of the navel. If the real power of this sculpture lies in the hidden magical ingredients, it is increased by the visual impact produced by the figure itself, evoking masculine strength and bearing signs of prestige. Thus, the twist around the neck and the nail in the umbilicus reinforce with their metallic sheen the determined and aggressive expression of this statuette, intended to repel witches and protect against their misdeeds.
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